Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-07-30

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

We no longer need to have animals kept in zoos, so zoos should be closed.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Many people believe that zoos are no longer necessary and should be closed because animals should not be kept in captivity. I partly agree with this opinion because, although zoos can restrict animals’ freedom, they also play an important role in wildlife conservation and education.

On the one hand, keeping animals in zoos can be considered cruel. Wild animals naturally belong in forests, oceans, or grasslands where they have enough space to live freely. In zoos, they are often confined to limited areas, which can cause stress and abnormal behaviour. For example, large animals such as elephants and tigers need vast territories to survive in the wild, but they cannot enjoy the same freedom in captivity. Therefore, many people believe that animals should be protected in their natural habitats rather than displayed for entertainment.

On the other hand, modern zoos provide several important benefits. Many endangered species are protected through breeding programmes that help prevent extinction. In addition, zoos educate visitors, especially children, about wildlife and the importance of protecting the environment. Seeing animals in real life often creates a stronger appreciation for nature than watching documentaries. For instance, species such as the giant panda and the Arabian oryx have benefited from successful zoo breeding and conservation programmes.

In conclusion, although keeping animals in captivity raises ethical concerns, I do not believe that all zoos should be closed. Instead, zoos should focus on animal welfare, conservation, and education rather than entertainment. Well-managed zoos can make a valuable contribution to protecting endangered species while helping people understand the importance of wildlife conservation.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with a balanced discussion of both the ethical concerns regarding captivity and the practical benefits of conservation and education. Each paragraph provides relevant examples, such as the mention of elephants and tigers for the argument against zoos, and the giant panda and Arabian oryx for the argument in favor of them. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, suggesting a shift in focus for zoos rather than a complete closure. This is a well-structured and thoughtful response that meets all requirements of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the opposing viewpoints is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', and 'In conclusion'. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural. The paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your argument. The use of linking words is neither over-used nor mechanical, contributing to a coherent and easy-to-follow piece of writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases such as 'wildlife conservation', 'endangered species', 'breeding programmes', and 'ethical concerns' are used accurately and in the correct context. There is a good level of flexibility, and your word choices are appropriate for an academic or formal discussion. While the vocabulary is effective and clear, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task and shows a good command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'although zoos can restrict animals’ freedom, they also play...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant errors that impede communication. The use of modal verbs and passive voice is handled correctly, which adds to the formal tone of the essay. Your grammatical accuracy is consistent throughout, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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